LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J.— Flash Burton's clutch 3-pointer with four seconds remaining lifted Rider to a 77-76 victory over Niagara in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men's basketball action Saturday at Alumni Gymnasium, ending Niagara's season.
 
How it Happened
The Purple Eagles (11-20, 6-14 MAAC) led by as many as nine points in the second half but couldn't hold off a late Broncs rally in the regular season finale for both teams.
 
Olumide Adelodun led Niagara with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Jahari Williamson added 19 points off the bench, connecting on 6-of-8 attempts from 3-point range, while Jaeden Marshall contributed 13 points.
 
Niagara appeared in control after Adelodun's driving layup put the Purple Eagles ahead 73-70 with 2:51 remaining. Rider's T.J. Weeks Jr. responded with a pair of free throws before Josiah Davis extended Niagara's lead to 75-72 with a drive to the basket.
 
After Tariq Ingraham's free throws pulled Rider within one, Davis scored again to make it 76-74 with 1:42 left. The teams traded empty possessions before Burton's game-winning shot from the corner.
 
Niagara's final attempt, a 3-pointer by Davis as time expired, was off the mark.
The Purple Eagles shot 51.9 percent for the game and connected on 13-of-23 from 3-point range but were hampered by a 9-for-14 performance at the free throw line.
 
Weeks led Rider (13-18, 9-11) with 22 points, while Ingraham recorded a double-double with 18 points and eight rebounds. Cruz added 12 points, and Burton finished with 10 points, including the decisive basket.
 
Niagara led 37-35 at halftime after a back-and-forth first half that featured seven ties and six lead changes.
 
Niagara Notes
• Niagara moves to 26-34 all-time against Rider.
• Saturday marked the 12th one-possession game of the season for Niagara. The Purple Eagles are 5-7 in such contests.
• Niagara finished the season shooting 47.0 percent or better in 16 games, including Saturday's game in Lawrenceville.
• The Purple and White matched their season-best with a 56.5 percent clip from three.